are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.
The majority of solar panels commonly put on houses or businesses today ranges from 250 to 365 watts per panel, while solar panels with capacities higher and lower than that are also available.
Solar cell technological improvements have enabled the expansion in solar panel size. However, the development of new 400-watt-plus solar panels is also due to one-upmanship among solar panel producers, with each wanting to claim that their solar panel is the largest.
But, in the case of solar panels, does size really matter? To assess whether 400W solar panels are good for you, you must first understand your alternatives and how much energy 400W panels produce.
A 400w solar panel has a 400-watt output and may be utilized for both residential & commercial solar projects. 400w solar panels will generate between 1.2 and 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day, depending on sunshine exposure and other parameters such as geographic location and tilt.
A 400-watt solar panel will provide between 1,200 watt-hours (1.2 kilowatt-hours, or 1.2 kWh) and 3,000 watt-hours (3 kWh) of DC power each day in real-world conditions, depending on your location. Using the peak solar hour’s number for your area, you may get the precise value for where you reside. In general, sunny places like Texas receive 6 peak sun hours (PSH) every day. Simply multiply the panel wattage by the number of PSH - 400 W x 6 PSH - and we get 2,400 watt-hours (2.4 kWh) as the daily average energy production.
The quantity of solar panels you'll install is determined by the amount of power you intend to generate as well as the amount of space available for solar panels. Due to a paucity of roof space, many individuals choose the 400W solar panel; this is because 400W solar panels produce power more effectively than many lower-wattage solar panels given the area they require. The table below compares different solar panel system sizes based on the number of 400W solar panels required for each system size. The number of 400W panels is often rounded up to the nearest panel in some circumstances.
The number of solar panels needed is determined by how much power your property needs, as well as how much space you have. For small homeowners, 400W solar panels are often a good choice because they produce power more effectively per square foot than lower-wattage solar panels. The table below shows how many 400W panels you should buy for various roof sizes, including some related information about these panels.
Table 1.0 System Size Comparisons
System Size (Kw)Number Of 400-Watt Solar PanelsEstimated Space Needed (Sq. Ft.)2 kW51145 kW132966 kW153417 kW18410Five 400W solar panels will generate around 3,000-kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is much less than the amount of power used by a typical single-family residence. Installing 15 panels for an approximately 6 kW system can generate enough power to drastically reduce or eliminate your electric cost.
How much space would a solar energy system need to take on your roof or property? Here is an estimate for a 400W solar panel. To calculate the estimated space, we assumed that 400W panels are, on average, 22.75 square feet (6.5’ by 3.5’).
How much space is needed for a solar installation with 400-watt solar panels?
System Size (Kw)Average Annual Kwh ProductionNumber of 400w Solar Panels2 kW2,82055 kW7,050136 kW8,460157 kW9,87018When compared to smaller wattage panels, solar panels close to 400W are relatively efficient with space, and a regular roof of a single household will likely have adequate room for the number of panels required to considerably balance power expenses. Consider a ground-mounted solar system if you have a smaller roof or a roof that you don't want to be covered with panels.
Below is a list of solar panels that produce close to 400W of power, divided by their efficiency and the company that makes them.
Monocrystalline solar panels, often known as mono solar panels, are used in all of the solar panels on this list. Monocrystalline cells will be the favored cell type for higher efficiency and higher wattage solar panels in 2022.
ManufacturerPanel modelWattageEfficiencyCanadian Solar+HiKu Mono PERC series400-42519.7 - 20.9LG+LG400N2W-A540019.3LGLG405N2W-A540519.5Mission SolarMSE SX6W405 - 42518.4 - 19.3Mission SolarMSE SX6Z415 - 42518.9 - 19.3Silfab SolarSIL-400 NU40019.6SunPower+A Series Residential390-42020.9 - 22.5SunPowerSPR-E19-410-COM41019.1SunPowerSPR-E20-435-COM43520.3Trina Solar+Tallmax TSM-DE15M(II)390 - 41519.2 - 20.4Yes, a 400-watt panel costs more than a smaller size. It is not because they produce more energy, rather that they have a higher price per hour of energy produced.
Solar panel makers must use more innovative manufacturing procedures to create a solar panel that delivers more electricity while remaining the same size. Furthermore, 400-watt panels are newer, higher-end versions, and solar panel manufacturers typically incorporate a bigger profit margin on these goods.
If you install your solar energy system with 400 W solar modules instead of the more common 300-350W modules, you could expect to pay a 5-10% premium per watt.
Regardless of how effective a 400W solar panel is, the amount of power it produces will be affected by a number of basic factors, including:
To summarize, there are several aspects to consider while selecting the best solar equipment. For some homeowners with limited space, a 400-watt solar panel may make good sense. While these solutions are more expensive than lower wattage modules, you will need fewer of them to meet your electrical requirements. Getting a 400 watts solar panel is easier than you think. Let us show you the way. Contact Forme Solar today to find out if we can assist you!
If you’re considering installing a solar array to power your home, you will most likely find that 400-watt solar panels are the best choice. They offer an optimal balance of power output, affordability, and efficiency, making them one of the most popular choices for residential solar systems.
Solar panels come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny 1-watt panels to 400-watt rigid panels. Here, we’ll explore what you can do with 400 watts, generally the highest rated power output in residential solar panels.
With enough 400W solar panels, solar charging, power, and storage capacity, you can run any consumer appliance — or even your whole home.
Under optimal conditions, a 400-watt solar panel can generate approximately 1.6 to 2.4 kWh of electricity per day. Achieving this level of electricity output assumes ideal environmental conditions and 4 to 6 hours of peak sunlight.
The rated power of a solar panel is determined using Standard Test Conditions in a laboratory. It indicates the maximum amount of electricity a PV panel can produce in one hour. Ideal conditions rarely exist in the real world, and your actual electricity production will vary based on location, climate, panel placement and angle, among other external factors.
Here are some of the most common factors that impact a solar array’s electricity production.
Consider how you can mitigate the negative impact of the factors above to get the most out of your solar panels.
The EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel is ideal for a residential solar array. The rated power is the standard output rating for a rooftop-mounted solar panel, as it’s the perfect balance of size and power output.
With a 23% efficiency rating, this panel will make the most of your roof’s surface area. The panel works for on-grid or off-grid solar solutions. The aluminum frame and IP68 waterproof rating ensures a long lifespan (often 25 years or more) and reliable performance. Each panel can produce hundreds of kilowatt hours of electricity per year, lowering your utility bills and reducing (or even eliminating) your reliance on fossil fuels.
The EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel is the on-the-go version of the rigid model. The panel folds down to around 25% of its full size and fits into a carrying case. The case also doubles as an adjustable kickstand, making it easy to adjust the tilt angle to maximize sun exposure over the course of the day.
Like its rigid counterpart, this panel features an IP68 waterproof rating, making it highly resistant to harsh weather. This portable panel is perfect for camping, backpacking, or RV trips. Its compact, lightweight, and durable construction makes it easy to carry or store when you’re traveling off-grid.
A single 400-watt solar panel can power most devices and small appliances, including:
For example, the average smartphone has a battery capacity of around 15 Wh. Since a 400-watt panel can produce 1.6 kWh per day, one panel could charge over 100 smartphones daily!
With several 400-watt panels connected into an array, you can run almost any appliance, including:
For instance, a home dryer might draw 2 kW of energy per hour to run (2 kWh). To power a dryer for 1 hour, you need at least two 400-watt panels, each producing 1.6 kWh daily.
It’s crucial to understand that with very few exceptions, solar panels can’t power appliances or provide electricity on their own. The sunlight that PV panels capture must be converted and stored as household electricity. Solar panels must be connected to a portable power station or other balance of system.
Equally important to note, you can’t just connect an endless number of solar panels to a portable power station. With off-grid solar power solutions, you’re limited by the solar charging capacity of your balance of system.
For example, EcoFlow’s RIVER 2 Series of portable power stations have a starting solar input capacity of 110W for the RIVER 2 and a maximum of 220W for the RIVER 2 Pro. You can pair the RIVER 2 with a 110W portable solar panel and the RIVER Pro with a 220W bifacial solar panel, but neither will support a 400W panel — rigid or portable.
For more robust off-grid power solutions and whole home generators, EcoFlow’s Power Kits and most DELTA portable power stations are compatible with 400W solar panels. A DELTA Pro home backup Advanced Kit can support up to 3200W of solar charging — that’s eight 400W solar panels.
With a setup like that, you can achieve energy independence and power your whole house.
The amps per hour a 400-watt solar panel can generate depends on the panel’s voltage.
To calculate the current (amps) produced, use this formula:
Current (amps) = Power (watts) / Voltage (volts)
A standard solar panel has a voltage output of around 18-48 volts under normal operating conditions. Let’s assume that a 400-watt panel operates at 48 volts:
Current (amps) = 400 watts / 48 volts = 8.33 amps
So, you can expect a 400-watt solar panel to produce around 8.33 amps per hour under ideal conditions (peak sunlight and optimal temperature). Remember that real-world conditions—such as shading, panel orientation, and temperature fluctuations — will affect the actual current output.
The number of 400-watt solar panels it takes to power a house will depend on the location and energy usage of the home. Once we have these numbers, we can do a simple calculation to determine the number of panels.
Assuming 4 hours of peak sun and optimal conditions, a 400-watt solar panel can produce 1.6 kWh daily or about 584 kWh per year. In 2021, the average annual electricity consumption in the U.S. was just above 10,600 kWh.
So, we can follow this formula to determine the number of panels:
# of 400-watt Panels = Average Energy Usage (kWh) / Annual Output of One Panel (kWh)
Let’s plug in our numbers:
# of 400-watt Panels = 10,600 kWh / 584 kWh = 18.15 panels
A house with 10,600 kWh of annual energy usage would need at least 19 panels to supply power to the entire home.
This figure is just an estimate, and the actual number of solar panels you require will vary depending on your exact energy usage and location. For example, homes in areas with more sun hours will require fewer solar panels. Typically, a family that consumes more electricity must install more panels to meet their needs.
You need a portable power station or an inverter and balance of system rated for at least 400 watts of solar input to utilize a 400-watt solar panel. The more electricity you consume, the more panels, power output, storage, and solar charge capacity you’ll need. For instance, running a refrigerator typically requires a 1,500w inverter at minimum.
Paired with the right portable power station, a 400-watt rigid or portable solar panel can power over 90% of home appliances.
By connecting enough 400W panels, you can power your whole house, eliminate your electricity bills, and do your bit for the planet by moving towards a more sustainable future.
Check out EcoFlow for best-in-class solar power solutions, including 400-watt solar panels and portable power stations.
Click here to get more.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website 1500 kw diesel generator.